Upon its introduction in 1979, the Fox-Body Mustang breathed fresh life into Ford’s enduring pony car. After years meandering with the Pinto based Mustang II, the Fox was unleashed from the get-go with a range topping V8 motor, unlike its predecessor. While early iterations continued the trend of speed alluding sticker packages, the Mustang now had the performance to back it up. Advancing into the high-tech 1980s, the range of fastback, notchback, and convertible body styles were supplemented by the introduction of the turbocharged 2.3 liter Lima engine. Reaching its ultimate potency in the much sought after SVO Mustang of 1984, this model superseded even the 5.0 powered GT within the Mustang Range.

With production due to carry on into the final decade of the 20th century, Ford remained diligent in keeping the aging platform up to date and competitive with its Detroit based competition. In 1987, the Fox received a facelift which served to both align the vehicle with the rest of Ford’s corporate identity and clean up the aerodynamic surfaces. The powertrain would continue to receive updates in this time and by the final model year the GT trim delivered a respectable 205hp. Available in just about any flavor an enthusiast could want, it should come as no surprise that the popularity of the Fox platform Mustang continues to grow over time.

This particular Fox has been converted into a potent racer. The car is said to have been built by Roush Racing and acquired from Saleen. Little is known about the specifics of the vehicle, but it looks to have been built with top spec components throughout. With a safety check and some light recommissioning, this beast will be sure to bring endless fun at your local track.

High-performance automaker entered its new turbocharged mid-engine car in two professional races, January 18-19 at Thermal Club

Saleen 1 GT4 concept outperformed all vehicles in the GT4 class, while collecting data for homologation process with SRO Motorsports

THERMAL, Calif. (January 21, 2020) – The world’s newest race car designed to compete in GT4 racing made its official track debut this weekend during the second round of the Winter Invitational Series, Jan. 18-19, at the Thermal Club in the California desert.

High-performance vehicle manufacturer Saleen Automotive officially debuted its new Saleen 1 GT4 concept at two professional races, with a factory entry driven by Dominic Cicero, an experienced professional racing driver and head driving instructor at the Thermal Club.

Saleen entered the unique new racing series as an opportunity to further develop its GT4 concept while the vehicle is undergoing homologation approval process with the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO), in advance of the full 2020 GT4 season.

“Our intention with entering these races was to continue development of the Saleen 1 GT4 concept and collect data to assist the homologation process with SRO,” explained Gabriele Cadringher, director of motorsport at Saleen Automotive. “We knew the car would be very competitive within the GT4 class, but the results even exceeded our expectations.”

“We’re thrilled with our results this weekend,” said Steve Saleen, CEO and founder of Saleen Automotive. “There’s no greater test for performance and reliability than a live race and seeing our car outperform the entire GT4 field at both races this weekend was gratifying after months of testing and development work. We look forward to finalizing the homologation process with SRO and seeing the Saleen 1 on the grid at racetracks worldwide.”

Saleen’s GT4 Concept was unveiled in October 2019 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as a dedicated racing version of the Saleen 1 production model, with updates designed to comply with GT4 series specifications. The Saleen GT4 concept features updates to the car’s front splitter and fenders, plus new advanced rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics. Per GT4 specifications, a large rear wing is included to add maximum downforce and traction. Saleen’s GT4 concept car also offers front and rear anti-lock braking systems and other GT4-specific equipment.

The Winter Invitational Series by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO) offers an excellent introduction to SRO’s various series including GT World Challenge, GT Sports Club, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America. The series includes three events, from December 2019 through February 2020 at the Thermal Club in California. For more information on the series, visit Race.World-Challenge.com.

For more information on the Saleen Cup, visit www.SaleenCup.com. For more information on the Saleen 1 model, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen, or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

About Saleen Automotive, Inc.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 36 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

The Saleen 1 Cup Racer is 1 of 20 exclusive race cars built for the inaugural Saleen Cup series. The Cup Racer has revised aerodynamics including a new front splitter and competition rear wing. Power is still delivered by a 2.2L turbocharged 4 cylinder, but re-calibrated to racing specifications. The interior features all safety equipment and rollover protection, as well as a Formula 1 style steering wheel with paddle shifters.

All 20 cars are identical with the exception of the distinct liveries featuring iconic, Saleen historical and contemporary designs.

The Saleen/Allen “RRR” Speedlab racing team with comedian/actor Tim Allen forms and competes in the SCCA World Challenge against the likes of Porsche, BMW, Corvette.The team takes a big win at the final race of the 1995 season in Sonoma and goes on to take the Manufacturer’s Championship trophy the following year.

In 1997, the team travels to France and competes in the 24 Hours of LeMans.This marks the only time a Mustang competed at LeMans since 1967. The team also wins the SCCA Manufacturer’s Championship title for the third time in 1998 and continues to win the championship in 1999 in GrandAm racing.

Continuing his successful professional career in racing, Steve expands to truck racing competing on a wide variety of circuits, from small ovals (Denver) and large ovals (Pocono), to various street and road racing courses throughout the United States in a Ford Ranger.

Steve dominates the multi-year series with the most overall victories, 49! Steve Saleen wins the overall Race Truck Championship in 1992 and provides Ford with the Manufacturer’s Championship. This specific truck at Des Moines, Road Atlanta, Las Vegas, with winning at the Colorado National Speedway in 1990.

In 1989, Steve enters the PPG Indy Car World series running an 88 March. Despite chassis and engine challenges, he manages to finish 13th at the Long Beach Grand Prix and 12th at the Toronto Grand Prix.

While qualifying for the Indy 500, Steve unfortunately hits the wall, ending his hopes of entering the race. Undeterred by significant mechanical challenges with his 88 Ford Cosworth March, Steve manages to be the fastest rookie at Indianapolis that year.

This race car competed in the 1987-1988 SCCA Escort Endurance Championship, enabling the General Tire sponsored Saleen team, consisting of Steve Saleen and Rick Titus, to win the coveted Driver’s Championship, as well as the Manufacturer’s Championship for Saleen and Ford Motor Company. This vehicle marks a significant improvement in the development of the Saleen Mustang. Power increases to 225HP, and 5 lug, 4 wheel disc brakes became standard equipment. In 1988 the team went on to an impressive 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Mosportin Ontario, Canada.

Steve sets 13 track records and ultimately wins the 1977 Pacific Coast Championship, and then goes on to compete against the likes of Gilles Villeneuve, Keke Rosberg, Bobby Rahal, and Danny Sullivan in Formula Atlantic. The March 76B is known amongst racers as “fast and twitchy” and is powered by a Ford Cosworth Engine, and transfers power to the wheels through a Hewland FT-200 gearbox.

As you read this, many of you have seen coverage from last weekend’s grand opening of a new year-long exhibit honoring the racing and business achievements of Steve Saleen; witnessed through numerous videos and photos shared via social media from the LeMay Automotive Museum. If you were fortunate enough to attend the “Intimate Dinner with Steve Saleen” or “Saleen and Caffeine” or both, then you observed first-hand this impressive presentation of historic Saleen vehicles and vintage memorabilia collected under one roof. Steve, Liz and Molly were also in attendance and warmly greeted owners and fans throughout the two-day affair. If you did not go, don’t fret, I will convey why you should make plans to visit this “must-see” destination very soon.

Steve & Liz Saleen with March race car

As you walk towards main entrance of the LeMay Museum, you are dazzled by a 2019 Saleen S1 painted in signature Lizstick Red, glowing in its red with orange hues inside the main lobby. As you journey into the start of the main floor display area, be prepared to be instantly taken back by the Saleen Exhibit. In front of you and lined up to your left are some of the most iconic Saleen street vehicles ever built organized by their generation. Meanwhile lined up to your right are a few of the most historical and famous Saleen competition vehicles that have graced racetracks around the world. A lot is represented here, all in one place, from the very first Saleen Mustang ever made to the current Saleen 1 Cup racecar. Ornamenting the museum walls are a selection of important Saleen memorabilia that is gloriously displayed behind glass.

If you’re not impressed yet, then chew on this. Where else can you view some of the most iconic/historical Saleen vehicles and memorabilia all gathered in one accessible place? This exhibit is a cooperative effort through Steve Saleen as well as private owners and collectors across the USA to bring together this fantastic display of irreplaceable and priceless pieces of Saleen history. The kind of history that is interwoven into every Saleen’s (vehicle) DNA.

Still not convinced? Here are the 18 reasons why you should see the Saleen Exhibit:

Rarely seen collection of Saleen racing and manufacturing memorabilia.

If you close your eyes for a moment, you can picture a Mustang, a Bronco, a Model T, a Thunderbird, and yet year after year we attend car shows to see these cars with our own eyes. This Saleen Exhibit hosted by the LeMay Automotive Museum is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feast your eyes on a selection of Saleen vehicles and memorabilia that you may never be able to see again.

“Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” features 17 historic vehicles, including early race cars, Saleen Mustangs, S7 supercar, S1 and more

TACOMA, Wash. (Nov. 20, 2019) — For the next 12 months, racing fans, high-performance car buffs and other automotive enthusiasts can get up-close and personal with historic vehicles and articles from a true American automotive legend – all at a world-class museum facility in the Pacific Northwest.

The exhibit, “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” offers visitors a unique display of Steve Saleen’s rich automotive history, spanning over four decades. Visitors can enjoy a variety of historic vehicles on display, including Steve Saleen’s personal racing machines, early Saleen Mustangs, the Saleen S7 (considered America’s first supercar), and examples of the company’s new Saleen 1 midengine turbocharged sports car and recently unveiled Saleen 1 GT4 concept race car. The exhibit initially features 17 Saleen vehicles, with additional cars rotating into the exhibit throughout the year-long display.

1976 March B Formula Atlantic race car driven by Steve Saleen

1984 Saleen Mustang

1987 Saleen Mustang race car

1988 March Indy Race Car driven by Steve Saleen

1990 Saleen Race Truck (winner of the SCCA RaceTruck

Challenge)

1995 Saleen S351 Mustang

1996 Saleen Mustang SCCA T1 race car

2003 Saleen S7 supercar featured in the film “Bruce Almighty”

2003 Saleen SA-20 Mustang

2005 Ford GT (engineered and manufactured by Saleen under contract to Ford)

The Saleen exhibit at ACM officially opened to the public on Saturday with a ‘Saleen and Caffeine’ event that invited visitors to meet Steve Saleen and enjoy a guided tour of the display. The exhibit opened to record attendance on Saturday morning, with Saleen owners and enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest gathering for the event.

“It’s an honor to stand here in America’s Car Museum’s beautiful facilities with vehicles representing over four decades of my life and career,” said Steve Saleen, founder and CEO of Saleen Automotive. “I’m proud of our past achievements, but I also look forward to continuing our legacy into the future with unique new Saleen vehicles and a global presence in motorsports.”

In addition to showcasing the uniquely American automotive brand, the “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” exhibit aims to inspire the public with Steve Saleen’s illustrious career in automotive engineering, design and manufacturing.

“This is more than a chance for the community to get up close to some of the most extraordinary cars in the world,” said ACM CEO Jennifer Maher. “This is also an opportunity for young people to see that there’s a clear career path in automotive technology and people like Steve Saleen are the role models.”

For more information on “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” and to purchase tickets visit: www.AmericasCarMuseum.org.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 35 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum

America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual Signature Events. For more information, visit www.americascarmusueum.org.